Maxwell Quartet - Haydn: String Quartets Op. 74 - Folk Music from Scotland - The Times

Folk music also features in the Maxwell Quartet’s wonderful second offering devoted to Haydn, where intoxicating arrangements of Scottish reels, fiddle dances and pipe tunes are slipped between his three Op 74 string quartets. Even without the folk injections this album would remain remarkable for the joy and energy of these Scottish musicians, ideal interpreters of Haydn’s mischievous jokes, sudden mood swings and lyrical ingenuity.

The prize peach here is probably the G minor quartet, nicknamed “Rider” for the galloping finale, delivered with irrepressible enthusiasm. But the Maxwells are just as impressive and on the ball waltzing quietly with fairy feet, acting all gruff, or gliding through slow movements shaped like wordless songs. Every winter day, I’ve decided, requires a dose of Haydn: he’s music’s vitamin C.